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Study Abroad

Need-based financial assistance is available to students who wish to study abroad on affiliated and Northwestern-sponsored programs.

Students attending unaffiliated programs are not eligible for any type of financial assistance or loans, and may not use Northwestern financing options such as 9PAY.

Application & Awards

The required financial aid application materials and deadlines are the same as those for on-campus study; no additional or different materials are required. See the New & Returning Applicant page for detailed application instructions.

In most cases, your initial financial aid award for the year will assume a full year of regular on-campus study. Your aid will be adjusted later in the year for study abroad, after program costs are available for your study abroad term or year.

Program Term

Study Abroad Aid Award Notification

Fall Quarter or Full-Year programs

June 1

Winter Quarter or Winter/Spring programs

November 15

Spring Quarter programs

February 15

Summer

Rolling; apply by April 15

Study Abroad Aid Package

Study abroad program costs will not change your expected family contribution (EFC). Your EFC is always calculated based on your family's financial circumstances, as reported on your aid application materials.

Your regular financial aid is based on the cost of attendance in Evanston. Study abroad program costs vary widely; your financial aid for study abroad will be based on the cost of attendance for your specific program and term, including the exchange rate and a reasonable cost of living for the area in which you will be studying.

For programs that cost more than Northwestern, your Northwestern Scholarship assistance will be increased to cover your higher financial need. Because you cannot participate in Federal Work-Study while abroad, your work-study allotment (if any) will be offered as a subsidized loan for your quarter(s) abroad. Loans awarded for study abroad or to replace work-study earnings are not eligible for Northwestern's Debt Cap.

For programs that cost less than Northwestern, your financial need will be lower than usual, so your aid would be reduced: work-study and need-based loans (if any) will be reduced first, and Northwestern Scholarship may be reduced if necessary.

Financial aid cannot cover the cost of housing in Evanston while you are studying abroad. You are responsible for canceling your on-campus housing contract or subletting your off-campus apartment for the quarter(s) you will be abroad.

International students receiving financial aid are not eligible to use their Northwestern aid to "study abroad" in their home country or country of residence. Please visit the Undergraduate Learning Abroad website for more information.

For additional information about study abroad billing and budgeting, visit the Money Matters section on the Undergraduate Learning Abroad website.

Summer Study Abroad

Students are encouraged to explore the many outside scholarships that are available for summer study abroad programs. Visit the Summer Aid & Scholarships page for additional information.